G Code generation

[jdm1206]

Hi all,
I'm trying to create G-code using the latest version of Inkscape.  After I complete the following steps and open my ngc file in Mach3 i can see the image but there circles around this object.
 The following are the steps I completed to produce this file.
Thanks
John
1) Create text ABC
    Select image
    Status: text (scan-serf, 90.00 px) in layer 1
2) Object then Group
     Status: Group of 1 Object selected
3) Path then Object to Path
     Status: Group of 1 Object in Layer 1
4) Extensions then GCodetools
    A: Tool Library
         Selected cylinder
         Apply  (Created Green Box and moved outside of document area)
                      ID cylinder cutter 0001
                      Diameter 10
                      Feed 400
                      Penetration Angle 90
                      Penetration Feed 100
                      Depth Step 1
                      Tool change (None)
  B: G-Code Orientation
       Re-Selected Object
       Status: Group of 1 Object in Layer 1
       Selected 2-point mode
       Z Surface = 0.00000
       Z Depth = -1.00000
       Units = mm
       Apply (parameters at bottom of document)
                   (0.0; 0.0; 0.0)   (100.0; 0.0; -1.0)
  C: Path to G-Code
       Re-Selected Object
       Status: Group of 1 Object in Layer 1
       Preference Tab
            File: Test1.ngc
             Check  - add numeric suffix to file name
             Directory: C:\desktop
             Z Safe Height: 5.00000
             Units: mm
             Post processor: Round all values to 4 digits
       Path to G-Code Tab
             Biarc interpolation tolerance: 1.00000
             Maximum Splitting Depth: 4
             Cutting Order: Subpath to Subpath
             Depth and d
             Check - Sort path to reduse rapid distance
             Apply

I viewed the G-Code and noticed that these instructions where being appended. Not sure why?
I -0.0000 J 5.3808 F 400.0000
I 0.7104 J 5.3337

Sample
G01 Z -1.0000 F 100.0000(Penetrate)
G02 X 23.6398 Y 76.0172 Z -1.0000 I -0.0000 J 5.3808 F 400.0000
G02 X 22.9418 Y 76.1576 Z -1.0000 I 0.7104 J 5.3337
G00 Z 5.0000
                       

[brynn]

Wow, this could be a tough one.  (only because there aren't many good tutorials around) Can we see what you mean about the extra circles?  And you don't see the circles in the SVG file, but you see them when you send to the....whatever machine you're sending it to.  Right?

Have you found any documentation for that machine?

[jdm1206]

I do not believe it has anything to do with the machine in that the G Code is incorrectly being generated by Inkscape, and my CNC Mach3 software is executing the instructions given. 
I have attached a 2 screen shot.
(1) Image of G Code that was generated 
(2) Just prior to the generation of G Code
     and
(3) G Code file
If you need any addition information please do not hesitate to ask.
I appreciate the help
Thanks
John

[brynn]

Well, I should tell you that I don't personally have much knowledge about this.  But as someone who provides support for Inkscape every day, I can also tell you that support for gcode issues is something lacking across the community. 
Edit

All the gcode extensions show a URL for a Russian forum, that is supposed to provide support (on the Help tab).  You could try posting there.  If you do, would you let me know what you think about the support they provide?  Does it seem adequate?  Or have you already tried that?

I'll ask in the development mailing list if there are any other places to get support.  I don't know how long it will take to get an answer.  But usually messages on the mailing list are answered within a day (but often it's more like hours).

But just using my own simple reasoning....  You mentioned some code that was added on at the end, but you don't know why.  Would it work to delete that code?  Would it still be accepted by the CNC machine?

[jdm1206]

I posted this issue to the GCode forum you suggested and hoping to here back from them. The CNC processes the  GCode from Inkscape with no errors. Just an additional note, I found since my last posting that I can select the rectangle or star and Inkscape does generate the correct code. If I select text  or import jpg and convert it to a bitmap it doesn't work.
Thanks again for your continues support
John

[brynn]

The CNC processes the  GCode from Inkscape with no errors.

Oh, so you mean that the problem with the pink circle is kind of a glitch in display?  If the CNC processes the gcode correctly, do you get your expected product in the end?

For converting JPG using Trace Bitmap, I might guess that the problem might be that the paths are grouped.  Maybe the gcode can't handle the groups???

For text, do you convert the text to path before?  If so, that text is also a group of paths.  But if the text goes directly to gcode without converting to paths, then my guess is incorrect..

Edit
I didn't get much response from my mailing list request (not even from the gcode tools author).  Only that we should probaby put some info on the Inkscape website about these things    But we have the same problem with that -- no one who knows how to use them is interested in writing it down.

[jdm1206]

It is either something I'm doing wrong or a glitch in the software. I am wondering if anyone will be interesting in trying to recreate this test. There maybe software version incompatibility or a  incorrect parameters i specified in the GCode screens.
I'll tell you what I found out since my last posting. By the way, no replies from the gcode forumn. First I'm running a very simple image for my test
1) I select the image (status: Path 5 nodes in layer 1).
2) I select Path/Inset
3) I select Extension/GCodetools
4) Orientation Points and click apply (this puts orientation parameters on bottom of canvas)
5) Tools Library and click apply (this step put a green box on canvas which I drag off the canvas)
6) I re-select image
7) Path to GCode then click apply (note: must be on path to GCode tab before selecting apply)
This generates the correct gcode.
I tried doing above with outset (instead of inset) and I get the circles.